On-loan Connor Ronan happy to adapt for Walsall

The 20-year-old joined the Saddlers on a temporary basis from Wolves last week and then impressed in the Checkatrade Trophy win at Burton on Tuesday.

Ronan’s favourite position is central midfield but has also played out wide for Wolves. And he is hoping being able to perform in a few positions will help him force his way into Dean Keates’ starting XI.

“I would say central midfield is my best position but I do feel I’m a versatile player,” Ronan said.

“When I was coming into the first team at Wolves, I played on the left or the right just to fit into the team.

“But I would say I’m happiest in the middle – whether that is in the centre of midfield or as a number 10 depending what formation the manager plays. But, if needed, I can do a job on the left or the right. But I’d definitely say I’m most comfortable in the middle of the pitch.”

Ronan joined Walsall in a double-swoop on Wolves that also saw the Saddlers land defender Connor Johnson. And the Irishman is happy his team-mate has followed him to the Banks’s. “He texted me on deadline day to see if I had anything going on,” Ronan continued.

“I told him I had interest from Walsall, he said he had the same and that hopefully, we’d both get the deal sorted.

“From that point, it came around quick.

“We both trained on Monday and played at Burton – I think we played well considering the circumstances.

“It was a big test for him but I’m sure he was pleased with how he played and I’m sure the manager was too.”

Meanwhile, Walsall boss Dean Keates has missed out on the September Manager of the Month award to.

The 40-year-old was nominated alongside Peterborough’s Steve Evans, Jack Ross at Sunderland and Portsmouth’s Kenny Jackett.

All four managers have made an unbeaten start to the new season in League One.

But after guiding Peterborough to the top of the table, Evans scooped the gong – with Posh’s Jason Cummings named Player of the Month.